To establish robust chronologies of Late Glacial to Holocene sedimentary sequences, high-resolution chronological data are crucial. Radiocarbon (C-14) and/or optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating often obtain these, which is time- and cost-intensive. Here, we propose an approach to increase the chronological resolution of littoral lacustrine sedimentary sequences using portable OSL (pOSL) profiling. We derived ages from pOSL records based on contiguous similar to 10-cm-thick samples of onshore sedimentary sequences close to Schweriner See (See = lake), NE Germany, using established linear relationships between pOSL intensities and quartz equivalent doses. The corresponding dose rates were determined through interpolation between samples for quartz OSL dating (1-2 samples/m). Furthermore, the pOSL-derived ages were incorporated into Bayesian age-depth models along with the C-14 and quartz OSL ages. Our findings demonstrate that the analysis of pOSL data facilitates (i) the identification of poorly bleached samples, and (ii) the acquisition of supplementary geochronological information from the sedimentary sequences. This, in turn, makes it possible to reveal hiatuses and estimate their durations, reduce model errors, identify overestimated C-14 ages and increase the robustness of age-depth models in general. In certain instances, pOSL-derived ages are less accurate, which is attributable to errors in dose rate determination resulting from substantial variation in organic matter and water content, and/or grain size composition. Direct measurement of dose rates, as opposed to their estimation via interpolation, can likely lead to further improvements in our chronological models. Overall, pOSL profiling serves as a useful, cost-effective and time-efficient supplement to routine C-14 and OSL dating to establish chronological models of Late Glacial to Holocene sedimentary sequences.

Based on a multi-dating and multi-proxy approach, we reconstruct Late Holocene environmental changes derived from sediments of Schweriner See, a large lowland lake in NE Germany, covering the past 3070+170/-210 years cal BP. We infer variations in large-scale atmospheric circulation systems by combining in-lake productivity indicators obtained from traditional and high-resolution techniques (e.g. LOI550, TOC, inc / coh), diatom assemblages, and compound-specific hydrogen isotopes (delta 2HC25). Before 105+95/-75 cal BP (similar to 1850 CE), changes in productivity and the occurrence or disappearance of the diatom species Stephanocostis chantaicus reflect winter temperature variability, while variations in the compound-specific hydrogen isotopes suggest changes in the moisture source region. We observe distinct variations between (i) milder winter temperatures with a moisture source region in the southern-central North Atlantic and (ii) colder winter temperatures with a moisture source in the northern North Atlantic and/or Arctic regions. Such distinct variations in winter temperature and moisture source region are mainly modulated by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). This affects, among others, westerly wind strength and pathways and, thereby, winter temperature and moisture source region for northern central Europe. Besides these long-term shifts in atmospheric conditions, short-term variations in titanium can be linked to lake-level variability, most likely influenced by changes in precipitation and/or evaporation, and after the 12th century to anthropogenic impacts. Since 105+95/-75 cal BP (similar to 1850 CE), productivity has been driven predominantly by nutrient availability related to anthropogenic activities masking the hydroclimatic signal.

Abstract. Based on a multi-dating and multi-proxy approach, we reconstruct Late Holocene environmental changes from sediments of Schweriner See, a large lowland lake in NE-Germany spanning the past 3070+170/-210 cal BP. We infer large-scale atmospheric variations using a combination of in-lake productivity indicators using traditional and high-resolution techniques (e.g. LOI550, TOC, inc/coh), diatom assemblages, which are sensitive to ice-cover duration, as well as compound-specific hydrogen isotopes (δ2HC25) reflecting variability in the moisture source region distinguishing the southern and northern North Atlantic and/or Arctic region and/or the degree of evaporative lake water enrichment. Our study shows that before 1850 CE, in-lake productivity at Schweriner See was mainly influenced by winter temperature variability, which modulates ice-cover duration and growing-season length. Low productivity co-occurs with the occurrence of the diatom species Stephanocostis chantaicus, which blooms below the ice cover, indicating temporal prolonged ice cover duration. Simultaneously, changes to a moisture source region in the northern North Atlantic and/or Arctic regions and/or low evaporative lake water enrichment are inferred from δ2HC25. In contrast, high productivity is linked to the disappearance of S. chantaicus and moisture originating from the southern North Atlantic and/or high evaporative lake water enrichment. These distinct changes are driven by variations between positive and negative NAO polarity during the past 3070+170/-210 cal BP. Besides these long-term shifts in atmospheric conditions, short-term variations can be inferred from titanium concentrations, which mainly reflect paleo-shoreline distance likely linked to precipitation variability and, after the 12th century, to anthropogenic impacts. Since 1850 CE, productivity has been driven by nutrient availability.

Satellite-based remote sensing (RS) data are increasingly used to map and monitor local, regional, and global environmental phenomena and processes. Although the availability of RS data has improved significantly, especially in recent years, operational applications to derive value-added information products are still limited by close-range validation and verification deficits. This is mainly due to the gap between standardized and sufficiently available close-range and RS data in type, quality, and quantity. However, to ensure the best possible linkage of close-range and RS data, it makes sense to simultaneously record close-range data in addition to the availability of environmental models. This critical gap is filled by the presented mobile wireless ad hoc sensor network (MWSN) concept, which records sufficient close-range data automatically and in a standardized way, even at local and regional levels. This paper presents a field study conducted as part of the Durable Environmental Multidisciplinary Monitoring Information Network (DEMMIN), focusing on the information gained with respect to estimating the vegetation state with the help of multispectral data by simultaneous observation of an MWSN during a Sentinel-2A (S2A) overflight. Based on a cross-calibration of the two systems, a comparable spectral characteristic of the data sets could be achieved. Building upon this, an analysis of the data regarding the influence of solar altitude, test side topography and land cover, and sub-pixel heterogeneity was accomplished. In particular, variations due to spatial heterogeneity and dynamics in the diurnal cycle show to what extent such complementary measurement systems can improve the data from RS products concerning the vegetation type and atmospheric conditions.

Lake‐level reconstructions are a key tool in hydro‐climate reconstructions, based on the assumption that lake‐level changes primarily reflect climatic changes. Although it is known that land cover changes can affect evapotranspiration and groundwater formation, this factor commonly receives little attention in the interpretation of past lake‐level changes. To address this issue in more detail, we explore the effects of land cover change on Holocene lake‐level fluctuations in Lake Tiefer See in the lowlands of northeastern Germany. We reconstruct lake‐level changes based on the analysis of 28 sediment records from different water depths and from the shore. We compare the results with land cover changes inferred from pollen data. We also apply hydrological modelling to quantify effects of land cover change on evapotranspiration and the lake level. Our reconstruction shows an overall lake‐level amplitude of about 10 m during the Holocene, with the highest fluctuations during the Early and Late Holocene. Only smaller fluctuations during the Middle Holocene can unambiguously be attributed to climatic fluctuations because the land cover was stable during that period. Fluctuations during the Early and Late Holocene are at least partly related to changes in natural and anthropogenic land cover. For several intervals the reconstructed lake‐level changes agree well with variations in modelled groundwater recharge inferred from land cover changes. In general, the observed amplitudes of lake‐level fluctuations are larger than expected from climatic changes alone and thus underline that land cover changes in lake catchments must be considered in climatic interpretations of past lake‐level fluctuations.

We investigated four subaerial (paleo)lacustrine landforms at the north‐eastern shoreline of Schweriner See, north‐eastern Germany. These included two beach ridges, one subaerial nearshore bar and a silting up sequence located close to a fossil cliff, which marks the former maximum extent of Schweriner See. We used luminescence profiling with a SUERC portable OSL device (POSL) on all four sediment sequences in combination with sedimentological investigations such as grain size, loss‐on‐ignition and magnetic susceptibility to provide information on the various formations in a lacustrine depositional environment. The POSL reader was used on pre‐treated polymineral samples to gain an insight into luminescence distribution within the individual sediment sequences, but also among the four sequences. POSL proved valuable to understand depositional processes, which were not visible in lithology or sedimentological parameters. With somewhat larger uncertainty this method provides relative chronologies of the sediment sequences. Additionally, we carried out radiocarbon dating and full optical stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to establish a chronological framework. OSL ages proved to be more reliable to date beach ridges in this setting than radiocarbon samples, which were severely influenced by sediment reworking. This combined approach of sedimentological analyses, luminescence profiling and absolute age determinations revealed details in depositional processes at Schweriner See which otherwise would have remained undetected. Furthermore, it helped to set these subaerial (paleo)lacustrine landforms in a chronological framework.

Abstract The Tollense valley in northeast Germany is well known for its substantial evidence indicating a violent conflict dated to the early 13th century BC (Period III of the Nordic Bronze Age). This article presents a significant new find from a later Bronze Age context, found in the river at a known Bronze Age valley crossing (site Weltzin 13) by Ronald Borgwardt in 2020. The small bronze figurine (14.7 cm tall) has an egg-shaped head with a prominent nose, looped arms, a neckring, two knobs signifying breasts, a belt, an indication of a female sex and two slightly differently shaped legs. In the 19th century a similar female statuette was found near the village of Klein Zastrow, just a few kilometres from the valley crossing, but mostly these figurines are known from Zealand and Scania. Belts are only present on the statuettes from Zealand and northern Germany, and their presence suggests a close connection between the figures from these areas. Typological evidence places the figure from the Tollense river to the Late Bronze Age (Periods V–VI). Some time ago the figures were discussed as possible balance weights, but their small number does not support this theory. With a mass of 155 g, however, the new figure could be seen as a multiple of 26 g, the previously proposed weight unit of the time. The new find further suggests a connection between the find spots of the statuettes and routes of communication. There is little evidence to support an interpretation as a goddess. The deposition of the new figure at a valley crossing where hundreds of years before a violent conflict happened, might indicate that this was still a place of commemoration.

Volume Scientific Technical Report STR19/01 Field Symposium of the INQUA PeriBaltic Working Group “FROM WEICHSELIAN ICE-SHEET DYNAMICS TO HOLOCENE LAND USE DEVELOPMENT IN WESTERN POMERANIA AND MECKLENBURG”

Abstract. The site at the southern shore of Krakower See shows the Quaternary geology of the surrounding area. The local Quaternary sequence comprises a thickness of 50–100 m of Quaternary deposits while the surface morphology is dominated by the ice marginal position of the Pomeranian moraine, which passes through the area. The bathymetry of the lake basin of Krakower See indicates a predominant genesis by glaciofluvial erosion in combination with glacial exaration. Past research in this area has focussed on the reconstruction of Pleniglacial to Holocene environmental changes, including lake-level fluctuations, aeolian dynamics, and pedological processes and their modification by anthropogenic land use.

Over recent decades a growing number of well-documented records from terrestrial last interglacial sites across central Europe have substantially improved our understanding of Eemian climate and landscape dynamics. Despite this progress, there are also large areas from which little information is available, thus constituting significant paleo-geographic gaps in the last interglacial record. Among the regions with still inadequate paleo-environmental information is the maritime-influenced area of NE-Germany at the southern margin of the Eemian (Baltic) Sea. Here we present first results from a geological investigation of a new last interglacial site, recently discovered during archaeological excavations near Beckentin (SW-Mecklenburg). The study area is located approximately 25 km to the south of the maximum MIS-2 ice limit of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet in NE-Germany, and thus lies outside the Weichselian belt of glaciation. Based on lithostratigraphic and sedimentological logging, complemented by geochemical (XRF) and palynological investigations, we divide the local succession into three sections: (1) a basal facies comprising Saalian till and associated glaciofluvial sand, overlain by section (2) consisting of a fen peat which grades into laminated organic to minerogenic mud. The organic deposits of section (2) preserve a near complete Eemian pollen inventory, encompassing pollen zones (PZ) I to VI (Menke and Tynni 1984). Above this rest poorly sorted periglacial sands (section 3) with ventifacts and evidence for cryogenic deformation. Geochronological results from Th-230/U dating of the buried organic-rich deposits at Beckentin, show that these units accumulated in a former dead ice depression between 118 +/- 7/6 ka and 114 +/- 6/5 ka during the Eemian Interglacial. High-resolution optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) profiling, undertaken with a portable luminescence reader, reveals a significant hiatus between the lacustrine fines and overlying periglacial cover sand. Five OSL ages obtained from these cover sediments and the sand-filling of an ice-wedge cast show that these strata formed between during the last glacial interglacial transition. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.

A decade ago, archaeologists discovered the site of a Bronze Age battlefield in the Tollense Valley in north-eastern Germany. Dated to the early thirteenth century BC, the remains of over 140 individuals have been documented, along with many associated bronze objects. Here, the authors present a new assemblage of 31 objects from the site, including three bronze cylinders that may be the fastenings of an organic container. The objects are similar to those found in Bronze Age burials of southern Central Europe, and may represent the personal equipment of awarrior from that region who died on the battlefield in Northern Europe.

The role of fishing in Stone Age hunter-gatherer societies of the European forest zone has been gaining importance as a research question over the last years. In order to better understand temporal developments in the role of fishing, changing strategies and their connection to environmental conditions, the study of multi-period stratified site holds good potential for working out a sound empirical basis. Multidisciplinary investigations at the site of Veksa 3 in northwestern Russia have substantially increased our understanding on the development of subsistence strategies of Stone and Early Metal Age populations in this region and on the changing role fishing played in this. For the Early Neolithic period (ca. mid-6th to early 5th mill. cal BC) evidence was gained from seasonal settlement remains within floodplain sediments at the bank of the river Vologda. Fish remains within the settlement structures represent kitchen remains (burnt bones) and processing debris (fish scales) with the dominant species being pike and cyprinids. The only evidence for fishing techniques are bone fish hooks which typologically are linked to Late Mesolithic practices in Northwest Russia. Isotopic analyses of ceramic food crusts attest to an increasing importance of pottery vessels in fish processing from the Early to the Middle Neolithic. For the Late Neolithic and the Early Metal Age period, almost one thousand years of intense regular use of the shallow water area east of the modern Veksa mouth for fishing with stationary constructions is attested to by rich waterlogged in situ remains. The wooden constructions encompass thousands of archaeological timbers, many of them upstanding posts with pointed ends, and several lath screens representing fich fences and fish traps, six of which have been excavated. Radiocarbon datings place the constructions within a time frame between the second half of the 4th and the third quarter of the 3rd millennium cal BC. They are associated with the lacustrine, shallow water phase identified in the palaeoenvironmental studies before the regime at this place changed to a fluvial character.

Abstract. Archaeological discoveries in the Tollense Valley represent remains of a Bronze Age battle of ca. 1300–1250 BCE, documenting a violent group conflict hitherto unimagined for this period of time in Europe, changing the perception of the Bronze Age. Geoscientific, geoarchaeological and palaeobotanical investigations have reconstructed a tree- and shrubless mire characterised by sedges, reed and semiaquatic conditions with a shallow but wide river Tollense for the Bronze Age. The exact river course cannot be reconstructed, but the distribution of fluvial deposits traces only a narrow corridor, in which the Tollense meandered close to the current riverbed. The initial formation of the valley mire dates to the transition from the Weichselian Late Glacial to the early Holocene.

Abstract. This paper aims to combine the knowledge of more than 100 years of Quaternary research in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Geinitz, 1922; Deecke, 1907; Schulz, 1967, 1971; von Bülow, 2000; Rühberg et al., 1995; Müller et al., 1995; Katzung, 2004; Kenzler et al., 2015, 2018) including a summary of the areas of specific interest, a general overview of the most recent scientific results and of the ongoing investigations presented during the Field Symposium of the INQUA PeriBaltic Working Group 2019.

A comprehensive series of radiocarbon dates on human skeletal material was conducted to differentiate Bronze Age human remains from earlier or later river finds. The distribution of bronze finds in the Tollense Valley is even more extensive than that of Bronze Age skeletal remains. The Tollense Valley is situated in northeastern Germany, in the federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, c. 120 km north of Berlin, c. 60 km south of the Baltic coast and c. 70 km west of the German-Polish border. The distribution of socketed arrowheads gets sparser from south to north in Germany and Europe; apart from the finds from the Tollense Valley, there are only 28 examples from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and further to the north and northwest they are extremely rare. The starting point of research in the Tollense Valley was the hypothesis that the find layer with skeletal remains might result from a violent conflict.

Ice-wedge polygon mires feature a micro-relief of dry ridges, shallow wet depressions, deeper wet troughs and transitional sites, resulting in a local mosaic of vegetation. The correct recognition of these landscape elements in palaeoecological studies of peat sections requires insight about the suitability of proxies and their potential for palaeoecological reconstruction in order to reconstruct vegetation and wetness patterns as well as dynamics. This paper analyses a 105.5cm long peat section with a base dating to about 4000calyr BP from an ice-wedge polygon mire near Kytalyk (NE Siberia). Pollen, macrofossils, testate amoebae, geochemistry and sediment properties were analysed in order to compare the suitability of these proxies to reconstruct past surface wetness. The proxies show similar wetness trends. Pollen and geochemistry data did not always permit wetness reconstruction, the former because many pollen types do not allow the identification of taxa at a low taxonomic resolution, the latter because later taphonomic processes modify chemical variables in deeper peat layers. Macrofossils provided the most detailed wetness reconstruction, because they could be identified to genera or species, for which the moisture requirements are accurately known from their present-day distribution in ice-wedge polygons. All proxies, except geochemistry, show an obvious change from wet to dry conditions at around 20cm depth. However, as the proxies sometimes show contradictory results, a multi-proxy approach is preferable over a single proxy interpretation as it allows the reconstruction of environmental development in a broader palaeoecological context. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Wda River valley in northern Poland is a polygenetic valley located in a former subglacial meltwater channel that after ice sheet retreat hosted separate and then interconnected lake basins, subsequently replaced by a river. In one part of the river system an abandoned Lateglacial valley is found. This dry valley is a unique feature in the area located within the limit of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet during the Last Glaciation in the Central European Lowland. We investigated lacustrine and fluvial sediments and landforms in the valley and applied palynological analysis combined with radiocarbon dating to reconstruct the valley evolution from the early period of river inception in the Lateglacial through the formation of lakes during the Pleistocene/Holocene transition up to the establishment of a modern river system in the early Holocene. Three coeval processes were identified: (1) formation of lake basins in the subglacial channel connected by a river, (2) erosion of the river bed between the lakes, and (3) sediment deposition at the mouths of the channels in the lake basins first generating delta fans and eventually filling the lakes entirely. The valley formation was associated with diachronous melting of dead ice blocks buried in the subglacial channel controlled by the capacity of the hydrological system to evacuate the meltwater. Most of the lake basins in the study area were formed during the Bølling–Allerød period, but one section of the subglacial channel not affected by thermokarst processes survived protected by dead ice blocks throughout the entire Lateglacial. Accelerated dead-ice decay at the beginning of the Holocene triggered widespread lowering of the base level, which caused lake disappearance and the formation of the modern river system. The processes reconstructed in the central section of the Wda River indicate a highly dynamic and diachronous river valley development during the Lateglacial and early Holocene whereby the valley formation was interwoven with the formation of lake basins within the valley triggered by melting of dead ice blocks in the substratum.